our mission:
The Urban Native Collective exists to preserve and represent the culture and heritage of Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations people; to provide education, advocacy, and support on contemporary Indigenous issues and cultivate knowledge about Native American history in local and regional communities.
OUR VISION:
United Indigenous Communities
The Urban Native Collective's vision of "United Indigenous Communities" serves as the anchor for our mission. This vision encompasses the recognition and celebration of the diversity of Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations cultures. It acknowledges the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples who do not live on their ancestral homelands, or in urban environments, while also embracing the wisdom and knowledge within these communities.
Preservation and Representation
At the core of this vision is the commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. It is about creating spaces where traditions can be practiced, languages can be spoken, and cultural identities can flourish. This effort not only safeguards history but also ensures that Indigenous voices are represented in the narrative of urban landscapes.
Education and Advocacy
Education is a powerful tool for change. The vision champions education about the histories and contributions of Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations peoples, both within these communities and the broader public. Through advocacy, the Collective seeks to address contemporary issues, ensuring that the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples are recognized and respected.
Support and Cultivation of Knowledge
Support goes beyond addressing immediate needs—it involves the cultivation of knowledge that empowers Indigenous communities. This includes creating programs and resources that help Indigenous individuals understand their rights, access services, and participate fully in society. It's about fostering an environment where Indigenous knowledge is valued and contributes to community resilience.
Local and Regional Impact
The vision emphasizes the importance of local and regional action. It acknowledges that while Indigenous communities share common challenges, each community also has its own unique needs and strengths. By focusing on local and regional initiatives, the Collective can tailor its efforts to be as effective and relevant as possible.
How we do it
The vision of "United Indigenous Communities" is a call to unity, not uniformity. It is about supporting Indigenous peoples who do not live on their ancestral homelands or who live in urban settings and the broader society, fostering mutual respect, and creating a world where the heritage and rights of all Indigenous communities are recognized and celebrated. We are more than just a singular day of celebration on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Every Day is Indigenous Peoples’ Day!
Through this vision, the Urban Native Collective aims to create a lasting and positive impact on both the Indigenous peoples it serves and the society in which they live.
WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED:
Hosted the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian educator’s workshop on Native American history and cultures.
Co-hosted The 24th annual World Peace and Prayer Day (ceremonies to encourage people of all faiths and all nations to offer prayers for the planet) for Arvol Looking Horse.
Partnered with Playhouse in the Park to display a Red Dress installation, raising awareness for the thousands of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women who go missing or are are murdered each year.
Co-Created Indigenous Peoples Day within the City of Cincinnati.
Presented at High Aim Teacher’s Conference; addressed stereotyping of Native Americans in history and literature, promoting inclusivity through education.
Hosted Indigenous Peoples’ Day Convergence 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 with over 10,000 participants each year and growing.
We continue to cultivate partnerships that promote mutual aid within the Cincinnati region.
OUR Partners:
We are taught that nothing happens to one, without also happening to all. Choices, actions, and inactions affect everything, grounding ourselves in this mindset creates a sense of deep responsibility and care with all things. We understand our connections to all things, past present and future. We are grounded in this mindset, integrated into the ecosystem. Our responsibility is to remember that wisdom comes from many places, and to listen to those sources:
“Superb Community of People working for social and cultural restorative justice, human rights and self determination of First Nations aspirations in Greater Cincinnati and beyond.
— Isaac James Bishara, Māori Nation, New Zealand”